An Interview is a Two-Way Street

Brittany Richter
Careerminds Consultant

It is important that, when in an interview, you the job seeker ask some questions. The interview should be a two-way street.

Why to Ask:

This will give you a chance for further interaction, to show that you are interested, that you are taking this seriously, and that you have critical thinking skills. You don’t want to just be answering questions the whole time, so here are some ideas as far as the types of questions you could ask:.

What to Ask:

1. Are there opportunities for individual or group professional development?
2. Where would you like to see this company/organization in 5-10 years?
3. Who will be supervising me and how will I be evaluated?
4. What kind of work could I expect to be doing at the start of the job?
5. What kind of computers and software is most commonly used within the office?
6. How often are formal and informal reviews given to new employees?
7. Can you describe an ideal employee?
8. What is your organization’s policy on transfers to other cities?
9. What are the most critical items that I'll need to complete within the first 90 days?

Be prepared:

It is important that you have specific questions prepared before the interview. This will show that you prepared for the meeting, can think independently and are taking this seriously. This doesn’t mean, however, that you can not come up with questions during the interview and add them to your list. Just be sure to come prepared with a few questions.

Do your research! Don’t ask questions that could easily be answered by doing a simple web search of the company. Look at their website first to find answers, and even incorporate some of what you learned by doing your research in your discussion as you ask your questions.

When to ask:

This is important. Depending on the type of interview process that your potential new employer decides to follow, you may be asked at several times throughout the process whether you have any questions. Five minutes in to the meeting is not the time to ask about paid time off, salary or whether they are family friendly. Feel out the situation and try to ask questions at a time when those particular questions seem appropriate. If it seems like the interview is coming to a close, be sure to ask any unanswered questions before leaving.

Final tips:

1. Don’t ask about salary or any compensation until the employer brings this topic up in conversation.
2. If you aren’t genuinely interested in the answer, don’t ask the question.
3. When appropriate, try to begin questions something like this: “I read on the company /organization website that -----, So what ----?” This will show that you’ve done your research.
4. Know whether they refer to themselves as an organization, company, institution, school, etc.
5. Try to learn some of the terminology of the industry as well as the specific organization and incorporate it in to the interview process.

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Careerminds provides scalable, strategic solutions to organizations seeking affordable, web-based outplacement services. Using a Web 2.0 e-learning platform that delivers affordable, online career transition services, Careerminds provides a high-tech and high-touch blend of on-demand career transition education supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers reenter the workforce quickly.